Let your home smile a welcome to buyers… With a little effort on your part, your home can be sold more quickly and at a better price. These tips have proved invaluable to owners and are worth your special attention.
First impressions are lasting. The front door greets prospects. Make sure it is fresh, clean, and scrubbed looking. Keep lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of refuse. Be sure snow and ice are removed from walks and steps.
Decorate for a quick sale. Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell prospects how your home could look, when you can show them by redecorating? A quicker sale at a higher price will result. And investment in new kitchen wallpaper will pay dividends.
Let the sun shine in. Open draperies and curtains and let prospects see how cheerful your home can be. (Dark rooms do not appeal.) Fix that faucet! Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.
Repairs can make a big difference. Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and minor flaws detract from home value. Have them fixed.
From top to bottom. Display the full value of your attic, basement and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles. Brighten dark, dull basements by painting walls.
Safety First. Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearance and possible injuries.
Make closets look bigger. Neat, well-ordered closets show that the space is ample.
Bathrooms help sell homes. Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Make this room sparkle.
Arrange bedrooms neatly. Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.
Can you see the light? Illumination is like a welcome sign. Potential buyers will feel a growing warmth when you turn on all your lights for an evening inspection.
Three’s a crowd. Avoid having too many people present during viewings. Potential buyers will feel like intruders and will hurry through the house.
Music is mellow. Turn off the blaring radio or television, and play soft background music. Let the real estate professional and buyer talk free of disturbances.
Pets underfoot? Keep them out of the way - preferably out of the house.
Silence is golden. Be courteous but don’t force conversation with potential buyers. They want to inspect your house - not pay a social call.
Be it ever so humble. Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in. Let the trained real estate professional answer any objections. This is their job.
In the background. The real estate professional knows the buyers’ requirements and can better emphasize the features of your home when you don’t tag along. You will be called if needed.
Why put the cart before the horse? Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to potential buyers before they have purchased the house often loses a sale.
A word to the wise. Let your agent discuss price, terms, possessions and other factors with the customer. Real estate professionals are eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion. Refer any prospective customers to your agent and let them show your home.
